Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has praised substitute Wataru Endo for his impact in Sunday’s dramatic 4-3 home win over Fulham.
Wataru Endo was ‘really good’ for Liverpool after coming on as a substitute against Fulham on Sunday afternoon.
That is the verdict of Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who was speaking to the club’s official website.
This was a back-and-forth clash with Harry Wilson levelling up following Bernd Leno’s own goal before Alexis Mac Allister’s screamer was cancelled out by Kenny Tete.
Bobby De Cordova-Reid appeared to have given Fulham a stunning win before Endo grabbed an 87th minute equaliser.
Anfield exploded just moments later with Trent Alexander-Arnold firing home a dramatic winner, securing a 4-3 victory for the Reds.
Jurgen Klopp praises Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo
This was a huge win for Liverpool given that Manchester City dropped points once again, and it may not have been possible without the impact of Endo.
The Japan international again started from the bench as he adjusts to life in the Premier League.
Endo came on for Ryan Gravenberch with 83 minutes on the clock but certainly made his impact felt.
The 30-year-old took just a matter of minutes to find the net, curling home a beautiful strike into the top corner from the edge of the box.
That set up the grand finale of Alexander-Arnold’s winner but Klopp made sure to offer up praise to Endo.
Klopp suggested that Endo was ‘so important’ after coming in, praising his ‘really good’ performance.
Klopp praised Endo for winning big tackles and some ‘super passing’ alongside his outstanding finish to bring Liverpool level.
“Wataru was just so important; he came on and that was really good, really good. Won decisive challenges, super passing, a top goal,” said Klopp.
Endo pushing for first-team action in festive period
Liverpool paid around £16million to sign Endo from Stuttgart having been a solid and somewhat underrated player in Germany.
The Reds were chasing Moises Caicedo at the time, so Endo felt like something of a step down.
Endo has only started two Premier League games since his move to Anfield and has mostly played in cup and Europa League games.
Endo made a big impact against Fulham though and Klopp is seemingly delighted with his progress in the famous red shirt.
Liverpool have a busy schedule on the horizon with the festive fixtures coming up, so we will surely see Endo feature as Klopp rotates his side.
Seeing Sunday’s impact certainly makes that an easier decision and Endo will hope to really kick on after such an important goal.
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